Ocular herpes Zoster

Hi @sb4ca, Sorry to hear you had a second ocular herpes eye infection with additional symptoms. It is a terrible disease. I wasn't able to find other members who have posted about ocular herpes zoster but hopefully members with experience can join the discussion and share what they've learned and experienced. While you wait for others to join the discussion I thought you might find the following information helpful.

--- How to manage herpes zoster ophthalmicus: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7205171/
--- Herpes Zoster Ophthalmicus - Eye Disorders: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/eye-disorders/corneal-disorders/herpes-zoster-ophthalmicus

I’ve done a lot of research on this too because I also have a primary immune issue as well and I believe that made it much worse than those with those who have normal immunity It’s very odd there are no posts about herpes zoster as well But no problem and thanks for your input

@sb4ca - You might want to look for discussions and posts on shingles using the search function on Connect.

"Why is shingles called herpes zoster?
Varicella-zoster is part of a group of viruses called herpes viruses. This is the same group that includes the viruses that cause cold sores and genital herpes. As a result, shingles is also known as herpes zoster."
--- Shingles: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/shingles/symptoms-causes/syc-20353054

There are quite a few older discussions on shingles. Here's one of the newer ones from 2020 with current posts.
--- Anyone else dealing with shingles?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/shingles-6/

Are you taking acyclovir at the first sign of a lesion/cold sore? I have a friend who contracted ocular herpes after a cornea transplant and since then has taken acyclovir at the first sign of a cold sore. The Doctor told him to slam the virus early and hard (high dose). Unfortunately, a daily dose of acyclovir makes the virus immune to the medication so you have to save it for active outbreaks. Let me know if you are interested in the dosing protocol and I will ask my friend. This virus really sucks.

@beebe it’s been awhile since you commented it I myself am interested in your friends protocol. Thank you.

@annieoakley25
This is how the Ophthalmologist recommended using acyclovir:
At first sign of cold sore, you first feel the tingling in your eye or lip immediately take 2 pills/400mg/pill, then, as needed, and especially more pronounced the symptoms take 2 additional pills @ lunch and dinner or before bed.
e.g. - the more pronounced the symptoms the more you take right away, do not go by the drug label. Keep the regime up, like 6 per day, or a lesser amount if systems subside earlier, for 2-3 days.
When symptoms are essentially eliminated drop the dose down ay 3 to 4 per day - this will be different depending on the individual.
Based on your symptoms you cut off the dose ASAP. If you cut off too quickly a minor symptom will come back and you will need to begin dosing again. If you take too many you might get a queasy stomach, so back off on the dosage if this occurs.
Hope this helps. You have to be very aware of the symptoms your body is sending you and act on them quickly. Let me know if you need any clarification.

@beebe thank you so much. This is pretty much what I have been doing. Had to figure it out for myself tho. Good to know I am not alone with this struggle.

@annieoakley25
Aren't we so very thankful that such a simple treatment works and the drug is readily available? Imagine if you had to wait for a Drs appointment each time you felt a herpes event rearing its ugly head!